Africa-Press – Uganda. The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, today presided over the launch of two major maternal and child health initiatives at Kawempe National Referral Hospital—the Oxygen as a Service model under the Oxygen for Life project and the USD 500,000 Mama Toto Care Global Grant.
The dual launch marks a significant boost to Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly in the fight against preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
The Oxygen as a Service model introduces a sustainable, service-based approach to medical oxygen delivery. Unlike traditional one-off equipment donations, the model ensures continuous supply, routine maintenance, and long-term functionality of oxygen systems.
At facilities like Kawempe Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, reliable oxygen access is critical in managing respiratory distress—one of the leading causes of newborn mortality.
The new model is expected to reduce dependency on inconsistent supply chains while creating scalable solutions that can be replicated across the country.
Complementing the oxygen initiative is the Mama Toto Care Global Grant, valued at USD 500,000. The grant will expand maternal and child health services across several districts, focusing on improving access to quality care, strengthening health systems, and equipping facilities with essential tools and training for safe deliveries and newborn care.
The initiative aims to significantly improve survival rates and health outcomes for mothers and infants, particularly in underserved communities.
The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, attended the launch and commended Rotary for aligning its interventions with national health priorities.
“This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when global networks align with national priorities. Investments in oxygen systems and maternal care are critical to saving lives and strengthening our healthcare system,” she said.
Speaking at the event, President Arezzo emphasized Rotary’s commitment to sustainable and high-impact interventions.
“This is Rotary in action—not only responding to immediate needs, but building systems that will continue to save lives for years to come. The true measure of our work is not what we launch today, but the lives that will be saved tomorrow,” he said.
Rotary leaders from District 9213 and District 9214 noted that integrating the two initiatives reflects a strategic approach—combining immediate clinical support with long-term health system strengthening.
Healthcare workers at Kawempe Hospital welcomed the development, highlighting that improved oxygen access and expanded maternal care support will ease pressure on frontline services and enhance patient outcomes.
As the first official activity of President Arezzo’s visit to Uganda, the launch sets a strong tone focused on partnership, sustainability, and measurable impact.
Through coordinated action and global collaboration, Rotary in Uganda continues to demonstrate how targeted investments can save lives, strengthen health systems, and build healthier communities.
